Unhealthy Coping Skills: What Seniors Should Watch For

According to the World Health Organization, around 14% of over-60s are living with a mental health condition. These can often appear during times of stress, like a significant life event.

While aging and retirement can bring joy (especially when living in a retirement-friendly community like Cedar Rapids, IA), they can also bring some challenges. For seniors, turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms is a common risk.

Read on to learn about the signs and how to replace unhealthy coping skills with more positive strategies.

Withdrawing From Social Circles

Social connections are vital for well-being and mental health. Yet, when we are going through a bad period, it's often tempting to want to shut ourselves away from the outside world. However, as we saw during the COVID-19 lockdowns, social isolation can be detrimental to our health and well-being, and that is certainly the case for seniors.

Excessive solitude can increase the risk of low moods and even accelerate cognitive decline. In addition, withdrawal is often a strong signal that someone is struggling with a difficult life event, such as grief or health worries.

That's why community living and senior support can be a lifeline for many, offering enriching social programs such as hobby groups, walking clubs, and exercise classes.

Erratic Eating Patterns

People who are under stress often change their eating habits in one of two ways: overeat or undereat. Both are harmful coping mechanisms, and it's essential to be mindful if you suspect your eating habits are heading in those directions.

A poor diet can leave you feeling tired and malnourished and can contribute to weight gain or loss. Altogether, these factors can worsen any chronic conditions and put you at higher risk of developing other health problems in later life, such as diabetes.

Focus on healthy eating habits when you're stressed. Prioritize highly nutritious whole foods that give you energy. If you're in a senior living community, consider eating in the main dining room to socialize with others. That's a far better healthy coping habit to try when you're experiencing emotional turmoil.

Binge-Watching TV

Watching a favorite show or film on TV can be a relaxing pastime, and in sensible amounts, it can be a healthy way to cope with stressful periods in your life. But modern TV-on-demand makes it easy for us to sit through back-to-back dramas, spending hours a day engrossed in a story. When TV time becomes this frequent, it can damage your health.

First, it means you're sedentary throughout the day, and a lack of exercise can be detrimental in your senior years.

Second, time spent alone can often be a factor, and a lack of contact with the outside world can exacerbate the impact of stressful events. Instead, finish one TV episode and head out into the community for a more lively activity, like an exercise class.

Ignoring New Health Symptoms

Health anxiety can make it hard for some to seek help if they have a problem. They might ignore a new symptom or brush off worries about a mental health issue. Sometimes, that can feel easier than facing the fear of illness, but it's also dangerous.

Ignoring symptoms can leave you with untreated health conditions that worsen over time. Always ensure you have access to excellent healthcare, including friendly teams who know how to communicate effectively with patients experiencing health anxiety.

Likewise, if you notice a loved one is experiencing new health symptoms, talk to them gently about your concerns and encourage them to consult a doctor for a medical examination.

Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk can become a spiral and impact your mental health.

It might start innocently enough, with a few slightly negative words to cope with a sudden life event, such as saying: "I'm too old to change my routine." But over time, this style of self-talk can leave you with higher levels of anxiety and even lead to depression and low self-esteem.

Behavioral awareness is vital so that you can catch these thoughts early. If they persist, consider consulting a counselor to develop emotional resilience.

Writing in a diary can be a helpful way to manage negative thinking, as can keeping a gratitude journal. You could also try a group mindfulness activity in your senior living community.

Sleep Avoidance

When your mind is racing with worries, it can be challenging to fall asleep. You might react by staying up and watching TV or reading a book.

However, in the long term, sleep deprivation can make mental health conditions worse. It can cause your brain to feel foggy during the daytime and leave you with a lack of energy for healthy activities, such as an exercise class.

If you have trouble sleeping, consider adjusting your nighttime routine, such as limiting caffeine and screen time before bed. If you have persistent insomnia, it might be time to speak to your medical practitioner for help.

Aging and Stress: The Dangers of Drinking Alcohol

Turning to alcohol when you feel stressed or low can quickly become a daily habit. A single glass of wine or beer might seem innocent enough, but drinking problems can often happen because a moderate habit becomes more excessive over time.

Watch for the signs of dependency, such as thinking about alcohol and planning your next drink.

When you are going through a stressful life event, it's best to avoid too much alcohol, especially when you are on your own. Instead, find a healthier habit to help you unwind, like learning a new mocktail recipe or doing some low-impact exercise like tai chi.

Knowing the Signs of Unhealthy Coping Skills

There are often times in our lives when we face a challenge or a stressful event, especially as we reach our senior years. It's understandable that people turn to unhealthy coping skills, but it can also be damaging. Use this guide to swap those strategies for ones that will help protect your physical and mental well-being.

Being part of a supportive, stress-free community is also important. If you are considering senior living, visit us for a tour at Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids. With personalized care, a variety of daily activities, and beautiful outdoor spaces, you have everything you need to unwind and put your mental wellness first.